I brought a date to Dogwood after a show at the Shakespeare Tavern and was very impressed by every aspect of the restaurant. The atmosphere is very elegant, but is still open so you don't get the claustrophobic feeling that some nicer restaurants have. We felt comfortable in nice jeans and shirts, but I wouldn't go any less-dressy than that.\r
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The staff were very attentive and addressed us by name (which the hostess got from us when we walked in). You have a choice of the second level which overlooks the entire restaurant, the main dining area, or the bar which has a good view of Peachtree Street. Each has a little different feel to it.\r
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We were able to try one of Dogwood's signature ""grit flights"" which featured three bowls of their golden grits topped with different traditional southern accouterments. My favorite was the low country shrimp and grits, but was also very impressed with both the pimento cheese and ham as well as the fried oyster with hollandaise. From there we moved on to dessert, and tried the chocolate terrine, grilled lemon pound cake with key lime butter cookie gelato, and vanilla pana cotta. All were excellent and made me wish that we'd come for a full meal. The rest of the menu looks as though the chefs have taken southern classics and done them in a refined manner. Can't wait to get back and try some of the other dishes.
Pros: The excellent food.
Cons: None.
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